by Rev. Grant Armstrong Luke 7:1-10 Online Offering - Secure web based giving to First UMC 

SERMON NOTES

Signs are both a __________ to and __________ of faith.

The reach of Jesus goes beyond all __________.

It wasn’t the officer’s __________, but his faith that drew him to Jesus.

Jesus says, “Look at that __________!”

FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION

When did you feel like you had the most authority? What was that experience like for you?

How do you find that miracles are both a response to and start of faith?

Many of the stories of Jesus draw intentional lines between people who are outwardly religious, and those who live in faith. How would you describe the difference?

Looking at people of faith today, where do you see examples of the kind of faith that Jesus would point to as a model for us?

What do you need to entrust to Jesus today, and be satisfied knowing He has the situation under control?

Next:Miracles: In Pig TroubleLuke 8:26-40

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Mark 2:1-12 Online Offering - Secure web based giving to First UMC 

SERMON NOTES

We cannot make the __________, but we can help arrange the __________.

When Jesus heals, He wants to heal the __________ person.

Jesus may have a very different order for __________ than what we can see.

Jesus takes on the __________ situation simply to prove that He can.

FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION

Who was the last person to pick you up and carry you? When did that happen?

What do you think you could say about the men carrying the paralyzed man on the mat based on what you read in this passage? What can you speculate about their character?

Name some ways that Jesus can heal people of hurts and brokenness that is not easily seen by human eyes.

Describe how you might be able to discover the inner-work that God may want to do in someone’s life if you’re unable to see the need with your eyes?

Who do you feel like God is calling you to “carry” into the presence of Jesus this week? What’s your first step?

Next: Miracles: A Centurion's ServantLuke 7:1-10

We interupt this podcast to bring you a quick episode about Black Panther...only there was so much to say that it turned into a full episode anyway. And despite all three hosts enjoying themselves, it didn't keep them from picking all manner of nits from this excellent film. 

We also talk about racial politics, familial conections, and the etymology of a particular type of footwear.

Editor's Note: Ally wasn't feeling her best while recording this episode and ended up misspeaking a few times. She made a comment on African American incarceration and worried that it came out wrong; she was trying to say that African Americans are jailed at a higher rate over smaller crimes than whites. I would have cut it out, but it made the conversation flow weird. Thanks for listening, hope you enjoy. 

Links:Splinter News - “How the U.S. Government Locked Black Americans Out of Attaining the American Dream”Boston Review - “‘Black Panther’ Is Not the Movie We Deserve”Twitter - @diasporicblues - Black Panther costuming tribes/cultures threadCinemablend - Why Chadwick Boseman Feels Like Tchalla is the Enemy in Black PantherWikipedia.org - The Moscow Rules - aka Once is a accident, twice is an coincidence, three times is an enemy action.

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Mark 1: 21-28 Online Offering - Secure web based giving to First UMC 

SERMON NOTES

The presence of __________ and __________ __________ stirs things up.

Sometimes __________ comes from within.

The __________ doesn’t need any more advocates.

When Christ proves powerful, the __________ should spread.

FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION

Name a teacher who had the greatest command of the materials being taught. What difference did that make in your learning?

How do you practice acknowledging the presence of Jesus in your times of worship and reading scripture?

Why do you think the man possessed by an evil spirit came to the synagogue before Jesus came to teach?

Are you more of a “Here’s why that difficult thing won’t happen,” or a “Let’s figure out how God will make this difficult thing happen,” person by default?

Where have you seen Jesus do something powerful lately? Who needs to be encouraged and amazed by that news?

Next: Miracles: Through the RoofMark 2:1-12

by Rev. Grant Armstrong John 2:1-12 Online Offering - Secure web based giving to First UMC 

SERMON NOTES

The intended outcome of __________ and __________ is that people believe in Jesus.

Miracles are born out of __________ situations.

Jesus miraculously spared the __________ from absolute humilation.

Miracles must draw our focus to the __________ of Jesus.

FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION

Have you witnessed what you would call a miracle? If so, please describe it.

How would you describe the difference between a miracle and a special moment?

Why do you think the passage includes a description of the quality of the wine that Jesus created?

How is our salvation a miracle in itself?

What is an impossible situation you see right now that may be primed to pray for a miracle?

Next: Miracles: Poison in the PewMark 1:21-28

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Luke 4:1-13 Online Offering - Secure web based giving to First UMC

by Lindsey McClelland 1 Samuel 3:1-10 Online Offering - Secure web based giving to First UMC

It's time to sharpen your teeth on the bones of your "father"! We're looking at Good Will Hunting and Whiplash and talking about surpasing your father(s), the genesis of genius, and how to steal your father's prized possesions (be it an orchestra or just a really good line).

We also talk Saint's Row, super saiyans, and Nietzsche's dog. 

Links for this episode:

Cecil B. Demented (trailer) Good Will Hunting 2: Hunting Season James Brown- Roundhouse - “Please Please Please” Weird Al - "Living With a Hernia" Slavoj Zizek - “The Pervert’s Guide to Ideology” - Travis Bickle and Breivik Ira Glass on CreativityWhiplash - Caravan Finale - Part 1 Whiplash - Caravan Finale - Part 2 The Muppet Show - Animal vs. Buddy Rich drum solo  Dragon Ball Z: The Abridged Series - Krillin vs. Yamcha Dragon Ball Z: The Abridged Series - DODGE! Nietzche's DogSaints Row 4: FillabusterSunk Cost FallacyEidetic MemoryThose Who Can't Do Teach - School of Rock

A short episode dealing with nostalgia, Nintendo and the many applications of cardboard.

 

Links for this episode:

Nintendo Labo debut - youtube.com

Movie Bob's Alternative Nintendo Labo debut - youtube.com

How to pronounce Nintendo Labo - nintendosoup.com

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Luke 3:21-23a, John 1:35-51 Online Offering - Secure web based giving to First UMC

SERMON NOTES

We get to claim the new __________ God gives us.

Our first calling is to follow __________, not other __________ followers.

Jesus may just bring you a brand new __________.

Jesus may just bring new ___________ to the __________ you’ve got.

FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION

When was the last time you invited someone to do something? How did you ask them?

The passage from Luke lists Jesus’ age as “around thirty” when He began his public ministry. Would you have picked up and followed this young Rabbi?

When John proclaimed that Jesus is the Lamb of God, he was basically giving up his own people and network. Where do we encounter that type of calling to give up our crowds, today?

Looking at the passage from John 1, how did people invite others to encounter and experience Jesus?

If you stood before Jesus right now, face to face, would you like Him to give you a new name, or bring new dignity to the name you have? Why?